UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 43
Consider the following statements:
- In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds.
- In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (Both 1 and 2)
Explanation: Trade winds pile warm surface water toward tropical ocean western margins, while temperate westerlies favour eastward transport of warmer waters toward eastern ocean margins.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct / qualifies - Easterly trade winds promote warm western tropical pools and upwelling near eastern margins.
2. Correct / qualifies - Prevailing westerlies and associated currents transport warmer surface water eastward in temperate regions.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-omits valid item 2 (Prevailing westerlies and associated currents transport warmer surface water eastward in temperate regions).
B. Incorrect-omits valid item 1 (Easterly trade winds promote warm western tropical pools and upwelling near eastern margins).
C. Correct-selects exactly the supported statements/items: 1, 2.
D. Incorrect-omits valid item 1 (Easterly trade winds promote warm western tropical pools and upwelling near eastern margins); omits valid item 2 (Prevailing westerlies and associated currents transport warmer surface water eastward in temperate regions).